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Increasing interest and a fair bit of excitement have come our way this summer, following our proposal to have Vancouver Island proclaimed as a new Province of Canada.

In the re-telling our goals and reasons have not always been conveyed as well as we might wish, and in this respect we’d like to reply to last week’s Vancouver Sun column by Mario Canseco (Dejected voters yearn for Province of Vancouver Island, Aug. 9).

As a non-political, non-partisan and non-profit initiative we’d like to state right up front that we take no umbrage with present governments or any elected representatives. It’s simply a matter of Vancouver Island being ready, willing and capable of managing its own affairs.

With 765,000 residents of Vancouver Island we are now larger than six provinces and territories. We have professionals, skilled labour and infrastructure in place, and a network of communities and sectors that wish to see the Island prosper and grow.

And the Island has the renewable and natural resources to meet its own needs — forestry, fishing and agriculture, along with secondary industry and services to further trade and export. As one of two Provinces on the west coast, for instance, we will be in good stead when it comes to negotiating business agreements with the United States and Pacific Rim countries.

A hard-nosed review of the Island’s assets, capabilities and potential will reveal that our economic outlook is bright, and our long-term options for sustainably managing growth and development are exceptional. Balance this with a historical, cultural and natural heritage that places Vancouver Island as one of the best places to live on the planet.

With all this in mind, we think the Island has what it takes to make a go of it on our own, in partnership with B.C. and Canada. It’s a win-win opportunity that we believe Islanders, as well as all British Columbians and Canadians, should seriously consider.

This translates into putting all our cards on the table, gathering all the background information, and inviting all west coast residents to let us know what they know. Tell us about the Island and mainland colonies as they began, the 150 or so years we’ve shared since, and our common future.

To encourage this we are suggesting that annual conferences be convened over the next eight years, co-hosted by Island universities, Chambers of Commerce and other interested parties. We want to hear from all sectors, listen to expert advice, invest in substantive research and ensure a healthy public discussion.

The big picture, of course, means that national trends and global forces must also be addressed.

Climate change, drastic weather swings and rising seas around the world require special attention when you live on an Island. Stubborn determination, that smiles in the face of some mighty big storms, has long taught west coast residents to be prepared, to be self-sufficient, and to find strength and resilience in our communities. Cooperation, the common good and Island time have created a culture and values to live by here on Vancouver Island.

And too, if we’re going to buck the national trend of a democratic deficit, there’s a need to think like an Island, to act outside the box. An Island government, electing local representatives, translates into direct accountability by our politicians and increased participation by the public. The Province of Vancouver Island could be a model for a whole new kind of democratic governance in Canada.

The timing is right for such innovative change, with the Prime Minister suggesting the North-West Territories will soon be considered for provincial status. Simultaneously, we’ll be celebrating the 150th anniversaries of Canada in 2017, and of B.C. entering Confederation in 2021. It’s time too for Vancouver Island to be given its due, to be recognized as a cornerstone in British Columbia, and a foundation for Canada’s beginnings.

Having come of age in the 21st Century, Vancouver Islanders now find ourselves able to stand on our own, ready to carry our fair share and manage our affairs.

As long-time friends and colonial partners, equals through thick and thin, we welcome B.C.’s support as we look to govern ourselves. Working within Confederation, with the goal and promise of two west coast provinces, we will surely surprise ourselves at what we can accomplish together.

For the betterment of one and all let’s cut the strings, roll up our sleeves, and create a new Province!

Laurie Gourlay is co-organizer, VIP

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